Ouray
'The Switzerland of America', with hot springs below the cliffs.
Million Dollar Highway
A thrilling drive through Colorado's San Juan Mountains, with steep cliffs, no guardrails and old mining towns.
This stretch of US 550 between Ouray and Silverton is part of the 233-mile San Juan Skyway. It climbs through gorges to Red Mountain Pass at over 11,000 feet.
Its fall aspens are some of the finest in the country, and Durango's historic steam train runs nearby.
- Best Time
- June to early October
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round; winter closures
- Getting There
- US 550 from Durango to Ouray, Colorado.
What to See
2 of 3 are freeRed Mountain Pass
Old mines against rust-colored peaks.
Durango & Silverton Railroad
A narrow-gauge steam train through the canyon, running since 1882.
Know Before You Go
- Sheer drops and few guardrails: take it slow, and drive in daylight.
- Winter brings avalanches and closures.
- Mesa Verde is close by.
Where to Stay
Stay in Ouray, Silverton or Durango.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Something wrong or out of date?
Traveler Reviews
Sign in and mark Million Dollar Highway as visited to write a review.
Go Next
Worth a DetourMesa Verde National Park
Colorado
Whole villages built into cliff alcoves by Ancestral Puebloans 800 years ago. Ranger tours take you inside.
Full Guide
Must-SeeMonument Valley
Arizona and Utah
The red sandstone buttes of every Western movie, on Navajo land; see them at sunrise or with a Navajo guide.
Full Guide
Must-SeeArches and Moab
Utah
More than 2,000 natural stone arches, with Canyonlands next door and Moab as an adventure base.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Rocky Mountains list.